U.S. Port Congestion Worsens! 2025 Trade Policy Shifts Demand Proactive Strategies

Recent U.S. trade policy shifts and dockworker strikes are reshaping logistics for exporters, freight carriers, and cross-border e-commerce. Businesses must adapt now to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging trends.

NRF Forecast: Strikes and Tariffs to Fuel Container Import Surge

New projections reveal a container import boom at U.S. ports in 2025, driven by:

•  Preemptive shipping to avoid potential East/Gulf Coast strikes.

•  Tariff hedging ahead of Trump’s expected import levies.

Key Data (NRF & Hackett Associates):

•  October 2024: 2.25M TEU handled (-1.2% MoM, +9.3% YoY).

•  2024 Full-Year Forecast: 25.6M TEU (+14.8% YoY).

•  Weekly Rail Records: November saw three all-time highs in intermodal container volumes.

Industry Voices: Preparing for Disruption

Jonathan Gold, NRF VP of Supply Chain:

“Strikes or tariffs could derail the economy. Retailers are stockpiling early to cushion impacts on consumers and businesses. We urge port employers and the Trump administration to prioritize negotiations and targeted tariff strategies over blanket measures.”

2025 Q1 Forecast: Volatility Ahead

Four Major 2025 Trade Policy Shifts

1. End of Duty-Free Imports from China

•  Section 321 Exemption Eliminated: Low-value (<$800) direct-to-consumer shipments from China (e.g., Shein, Temu) will face full tariffs.

•  Effective Date: Late February/March 2025.

•  Impact: Brands using Mexico/Canada transshipment loopholes will lose cost advantages.

2. $2 Per-Parcel Surcharge

•  Congressional Proposal: $2 fee per customs-cleared item, atop standard tariffs.

•  Hit Hardest: Direct-from-China sellers and 3PLs routing via Mexico/Canada.

3. Navarro’s Return: New Tariffs Loom

•  Peter Navarro’s Role: Trump’s trade advisor revival signals 10% baseline tariffs on Chinese goods by early 2025.

•  Action Item: Stockpile inventory preemptively.

4. Tech Crackdowns Under FBI’s Patel

•  Kash Patel’s Focus: Heightened scrutiny on Chinese tech platforms (e.g., TikTok, Temu) over data security risks.

Shengshi Group: Your Strategic Logistics Partner

Combat Port Congestion & Delays

✅ 50+ Years of Customs Expertise: Self-operated team with green card holders streamlines clearance.
✅ Smart Fleet Management: Real-time GPS tracking, AI-optimized routing, and 40% faster turnaround.

Cost-Saving U.S. Warehousing

🔹 400K Sq. Ft Warehouses: Strategic hubs in LA, NYC, Houston for rapid replenishment.
🔹 Duty Deferral: Bonded storage to delay tariffs until goods sell.

Flexible Transport Solutions

•  Multi-Modal Options: Air, rail, and trucking to bypass strikes.

•  Emergency Clearance: 24/7 port pickup and cross-docking services.

Act Now to Future-Proof Your Supply Chain

With strikes lingering and tariffs looming, Shengshi’s end-to-end solutions ensure agility in turbulent times. From seamless customs clearance to AI-driven logistics, we empower businesses to:

•  Avoid new fees with pre-tariff stockpiling.

•  Slash costs via U.S. warehousing and bonded storage.

•  Maintain delivery timelines despite port chaos.

Contact Shengshi Group today to turn 2025’s challenges into competitive advantages!